OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) — Democratic challenger Paul Davis says a group of dissident Republicans backing him in the Kansas governor’s race has grown to more than 500 members.

Davis said at an Overland Park community center Tuesday that Republicans for Kansas Values added more than 300 educators, superintendents and local school board members. He also said more former GOP elected officials have joined the group.

Davis received national attention in July when his campaign announced the group’s founding with more than 100 mostly former GOP elected officials.

His race with Gov. Sam Brownback is now a tossup.

Kansas Republican Party Executive Director Clay Barker dismissed Tuesday’s announcement as insignificant and the re-airing of old Davis campaign themes.

Brownback had two campaign events with former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina on Tuesday.